Marvin Levy, Longtime Publicist to Steven Spielberg, Dies at 96

Marvin Levy, the longtime adviser and publicist to legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, died April 7. He was 96.

“Marvin’s passing is a huge loss for me and our industry writ large. There are many talented PR executives, but Marvin was one of a kind,” Spielberg said in a statement. “For over 50 years, he was a deeply loyal and exceptional collaborator who was respected and appreciated by all those who were lucky enough to learn from his counsel. When it came to handling the press, he had no peer. To the media and the world of exhibition, Marvin was the face of Amblin. We were opposite ends of the movie-making process. Every time I reached the end of production on a film, Marvin’s work had only begun. Through countless films, TV series, Amblin events, awards campaigns and our public relations strategy—this is where Marvin came alive. He loved his work and was endlessly enthusiastic about our business. He was creative, innovative and respected for his knowledge and honesty. He was excited to figure out new and better ways to present films to audiences. As a result, he was the first and only publicist to receive an Academy Award.”

More to come…